Rebel Finance School 2024
16 Jun, 2024
The fact that I never manage to get to the bottom of my inbox because questions about money just keep rolling in tells me that there is a considerable need in Aotearoa for some decent independent financial education and advice.
Financial literacy can only come from consistent education, willingness to learn, and taking action. But finding comprehensive information about money is difficult. If you want to understand the basics, get your head in the right space, and make lasting changes to your finances, I’ve got you covered today.
I took the time to create a six-part Financial Independence blog and podcast series, and it has been well received. While I'm proud of what I made, my efforts pale compared to the sheer volume of effort and dedication by Alan and Katie Donegan, who have again kicked off their free 10-week personal finance course called Rebel Finance School 2024. This course is a testament to their commitment to empowering individuals with financial knowledge covering all financial aspects.
In its fifth year, each June, they present a live weekly course to teach others how to build wealth and be financially free. All the things you wish someone had taught you, they will teach you. Handily, they will also teach you everything you never knew you needed to know! Their goal is to deliver information to you step by step and have your knowledge build over the entire 10-week period. By the end, if you have paid attention, you will have the tools and motivation to create your financial freedom, whatever that means to you.
Why would they offer this for free? What’s the catch?
There is no catch.
While most people in the financial world are out to make money from you, these two are the exceptions. They are not here to sell you anything but to genuinely help you.
Their statement, “We just want to help you take control of your finances,” pretty much sums them up. Katie and Alan became financially independent in 2019, with investments aplenty to see them through their days. While they could be lazing full-time on a beach somewhere, they genuinely get a buzz from helping others and have pulled on all the skills they learned throughout their careers to create a fantastic and helpful resource. With each passing year, they refine and improve their course. If you are prepared to put in the mahi by being in front of your computer by 7 am each Tuesday (the course started June 11th) and then go away and work on what they talk about, you will undoubtedly improve your financial knowledge and net worth over the long term.
While from the UK (the course is Monday, 8 pm UK time/Tuesday, 7 am NZ time), they roam the world, meaning they attract a global audience of thousands of attendees. Given that most good money management practices are universal, most of what they teach will work here in Aotearoa, and given that I’ve attended every year and gotten to know Alan and Katie, New Zealand will often get a mention. In the past, they have had the who’s who of the financial independence community speak: Pete Adeney, aka Mr. Money Mustache, Kristy and Bryce from Millennial Revolution, Brad Barrett from ChooseFI, and JL Collins, to name a few. There will be some extra sessions with country-specific speakers this year, and I will be one of them on Wednesday, July 31st, NZ time! Practical Prosperity for Kiwis: Applying Financial Independence in New Zealand
Some of the guest speakers this year include: Brad Barrett - ChooseFI, Kristy and Bryce - Millennial Revolution, Pete Adeney - Mr. Money Mustache and me for an extra session for Kiwis.
While I really recommend the live course because parts of it are interactive, I know that many Kiwis can’t make it each Tuesday at 7 am, but you can watch it on catch-up later. Sign up for the course regardless, and after each session, links are sent out for those who couldn’t make it. They want it to be accessible to all. In 2023, 7,000 took their course.
When did you last sit down and decide to learn something new or develop an existing skill just for you? Mid-winter is a good time to give yourself the gift of education. The only cost is the time and effort required to find 1.5 - 2 hours to watch the course (live or on catch-up) and do the exercises they set for you.
They can’t fix your money problems, but they can equip you with the tools; you only have to commit to participating. The information is there for the taking, and you will reap the rewards of your efforts.
I’m now taking the course for the fifth time. Why would I do that?
Surely, I’ve heard it all before. Improving my understanding of money, increasing my net worth, and making plans for the future is an ongoing journey I’ll never complete. This weekly check-in lets me surround myself with people moving in the same direction, meaning that along the way, I get to stay connected to and motivated by others who talk positively about pūtea and give a consistent message. Katie and Alan exude positive vibes. And if I have to get up on a frosty Central Otago morning to take part, I’m there!
I look forward to the course as an annual check-in that keeps me moving in the direction I want to go, ultimately to live a happy and enjoyable life.
For Kiwis, the main event runs on Zoom/YouTube for 1.5 - 2 hours every Tuesday at 7 am NZT. In previous years, after each session, they opened the floor up to Q&A, which sometimes went on for hours! This year, they have created a separate Q&A session on Thursday at 7 am for those who want their questions answered directly and live. Plus, as mentioned, there will be bonus sessions along the way.
Use this link to sign up for Rebel Finance School 2024. Make sure you read the sign-up page to learn more about Katie and Alan Donegan.
For even more background information on Alan and Katie Donegan, you can go to their website: www.rebeldonegans.com
For those who prefer to listen rather than read, the latest Catching up to FI episode with the Donegans will set the mood for the course. It’s a great interview: 079 - Indiana Jones and an Extraordinary Life with The Donegans
Finally, I just want to say that I’ve never come across a resource like this—one that is so well researched, well presented, and delivered with such a genuine desire to help people build the skills they need to, in Alan's words, “Create the life they love.” Here in Aotearoa, nothing like this exists; almost without exception, personal finance resources here come with an agenda, a sales pitch, and a cost.
If you seriously want to learn how to manage all aspects of your financial life, take this course. You have absolutely nothing to lose. Jonny and I have chatted with The Donegans a few times now, and their goals are perfectly aligned with The Happy Savers. We both just want to give you the tools and knowledge to help yourself, and if there is ever a money course that would do that, this is it.
I’ve long thought these two were the real deal, but as I was getting ready to post this today, word came in that they have both been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Financial Education in the 2024 King's Birthday Honours List! If ever there was validation of their work and sincerity, I think this is it.
See you on Tuesday!
